3 vacant homes burn in 30 minutes

Arson suspected in New Castle fires

Police and fire investigators suspect arson after three vacant homes all caught fire within 30 minutes of one another in Lawrence County.

The fires began to be reported about 11 p.m. Thursday in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

As fire crews battled the first fire, they were called to another six blocks away and then a third about six blocks away from the second fire.

The third fire was at a home that was damaged last year when a vacant home next door to it was set on fire. Last year's fire was one of 12 that city officials determined was intentionally set in an investigation that led to arrests.

"The three within an hour time frame is one indication that this may be suspicious," said New Castle police Officer John George. "If there's a connection, then we'll make it."

Nobody was hurt in any of Thursday night's fires.

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